Talk Auto: An Automotive Podcast

In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• What Europe's automotive industry can learn from China's rapid development cycles and approach to innovation
• How European manufacturers are adopting lessons from China to accelerate vehicle development
• Why brand loyalty is becoming less important, and how consumers are increasingly prioritising the product and affordability
• How the arrival of Chinese brands is changing competition across the UK and European markets
• What the rise of new manufacturers means for retailers, including the growing role of multi-brand dealerships and new revenue opportunities
• How manufacturers and retailers can adapt their strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry

Guest:

Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer at Auto Trader

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• How UK and European drivers research, fund and buy their vehicles
• Why dealerships remain so important, even as more of the car buying journey moves online
• How monthly affordability is shaping vehicle choice, and why it needs to be visible earlier
• How transparency and trust build the confidence to buy
• What the latest car finance market trends mean for lenders, retailers and OEMs operating across the UK and Europe

Guest:
Paul Hyne, Automotive retail and finance expert, working with brands like Lloyds Banking Group and Arval

Read the full European Car Buying and Finance Trends report from Codeweavers here: www.codeweavers.net/news/uk-europe-car-buying-trends/

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• What stands out as the biggest differences between the US and European automotive markets
• Why dealers have been quicker to adopt AI and what Europe could learn from their experience
• How AI is being used across automotive retail and where dealers are seeing real value
• What the development of robotaxis and autonomous vehicles in the US could tell us about their future in Europe
• What the growth of Chinese automotive manufacturers in Europe could mean for the US market
• The defining automotive industry trends of the last 12 months and the lessons businesses should take into the year ahead

Guests:
Jonathan Smoke - Chief Strategy Officer, Cox Automotive Inc.
Philip Nothard - Insight Director, Cox Automotive Europe

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• The importance of EV aftersales as more brands enter the UK market
• What makes EV repair, bodywork and parts planning different from ICE vehicle support
• Why battery diagnostics and specialist EV expertise matter for long-term ownership confidence
• How strong aftersales infrastructure can support residual values, remarketing confidence and long-term trust in EV ownership

Guests:

• Antonia Stephenson, Director of Operations at EV Battery Solutions
• Ben Hurford, Aftersales Director at AION

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• How fleet trends are reshaping the wider automotive market
• The role of company cars, salary sacrifice and taxation in fleet decision-making
• How fleet electrification is influencing EV demand, new vehicle pricing and market growth
• Why electric van adoption continues to lag behind the passenger car market
• The challenges facing the used vehicle market, including supply, residual values and buyer confidence
• How current fleet cycles and future de-fleet volumes could affect used vehicle supply and pricing

Guests:

• Jon Lawes, Managing Director, Novuna Vehicle Solutions
• Jon Hilton, Director of Relationship Management, Cox Automotive Europe

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• How EV charging infrastructure is entering a new phase
• What charging strategy means for operating costs, uptime and long-term planning
• How smart charging can help manage energy demand and reduce operating costs
• The role vehicle-to-grid technology could have in EV adoption and energy management
• How battery health, charging behaviour and bidirectional capability could influence future residual values
• Why stronger partnerships between OEMs, retailers, leasing providers, fleets, energy companies and chargepoint operators will be important as adoption scales

Guests:

• Sam Clarke, Head of eHGV, GRIDSERVE
• Olga Spence, Strategy Manager, Cox Automotive Europe

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

• How the automotive retail landscape has changed over the last decade
• The evolving relationship between retailers, marketplaces and OEMs
• Lessons from the agency retail model
• What retailers can learn from new brands entering the UK market
• How partnerships and platforms are shaping automotive retail performance
• The skills, technologies and relationships that could define future retailer success

Guests:

• Sarah Blewett, Head of Research at Carwow
• Jake Roden, Business Development Manager at Cox Automotive Europe

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In the latest episode of Talk Auto, Holly and Ben are joined by Peter Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, and Rich Price, Head of Business Development, Cox Automotive Europe, to explore the growing pressure on automotive retailer profitability in today's market.

The discussion examines tightening profit margins, trends across the used vehicle market, EV residual values, and how retailers are adapting their stocking and remarketing strategies in response to changing market conditions.

Key themes discussed:

• Automotive retailer profitability in 2026
• Profit margins and dealership performance
• Trends across the used vehicle market
• EV residual value volatility
• Improving stockturn and operational performance

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This episode covers the growing impact of new car brands in Europe and what their arrival means for the wider automotive industry.

As more automotive new market entrants such as Chinese EV manufacturers expand into Europe, competition across the market is intensifying. The episode explores why these brands are choosing the region, how they're positioning themselves against established OEMs and what their arrival means for retailers and consumers.

The conversation also looks at how automotive buying trends are evolving as drivers consider new brands and technologies, and if traditional brand loyalty still plays the same role in purchasing decisions.

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In this episode we explore the reality of EV adoption across the UK. From consumer’s attitudes towards making the switch highlighted in our latest EV adoption report, to the impact on retailers and the wider automotive ecosystem.

Key themes discussed:

• Myths about EVs and the perception gap: How first-hand experience reshapes assumptions.
• EV battery life concerns: Why confidence increases significantly once drivers get behind the wheel.
• Total cost of ownership: Why cost perceptions can persist even after purchase, and how retailers can communicate the nuances more effectively.
• The role of retailers in accelerating EV adoption: How education and experience influence confidence before purchase.

See the full EV adoption and consumer perceptions report here.

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Join Holly and Ben as they chat with Martin Forbes, President of Cox Automotive International, and Priya Lakhani OBE, Founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, to unpack the realities AI in the automotive industry.

This episode moves beyond buzzwords to explore how organisations are framing AI strategy in real-world terms, the impact on the workforce, the skills needed to stay competitive, and how these changes are already playing out in the automotive market.

From integrating AI into legacy systems to organisations getting it right, this conversation explores key considerations for leaders undergoing AI implementation at scale.

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Join Holly and Ben as they speak with Zachary Moodie (NFDA) and Furrukh Sheikh (Cox Automotive Europe) to explore how the Autumn Budget 2025 reshapes the automotive landscape. This episode covers the introduction of the EV pay-per-mile tax (EV mileage tax), changes to EV incentives, the updated electric car grant UK, and how the proposed EV road tax UK model could influence consumer adoption.

The conversation examines what these policies mean for retailers, fleets and OEMs as they manage ZEV mandate pressures and growing uncertainty around EV demand. The guests also highlight the implications of business rates, workforce costs and the role of apprenticeships as the industry transitions towards electrification.

With clear, grounded insights, this episode outlines the opportunities and challenges created by the Budget across the automotive sector.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at CAECorporate@coxautoinc.com.

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In this episode of Talk Auto, Ben and Holly are joined by Craig Mailey (Cox Automotive International) and Jamie Hamilton (Deloitte), to explore the 2026 automotive market outlook across the UK and Europe. They discuss the rapid rise of new global entrants, shifting consumer behaviour and how electrification is progressing at different speeds across the region.

The conversation also looks at used car dynamics, residual values and the impact of regulation such as Euro 7. With insights on finance, charging infrastructure, incentives and emerging automotive trends for 2026, this episode outlines what OEMs, retailers and lenders need to prepare for in the year ahead.

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we're joined by Karoline Baumann, Strategy and New Growth Director at Cox Automotive Europe, and Nic Thomas, Managing Director and VP at Changan Europe, to discuss how software defined vehicles (SDVs) are changing the face of the automotive.

From the difference between 'bad' and 'good' driving technology, to how connected cars are transforming the remarketing industry, this episode of Talk Auto lifts the lid on the latest in software defined vehicles, with some exclusive insight into Changan's approach.

Want to understand these new vehicle technologies better? This podcast is perfect for anyone in the industry looking for automotive news and analysis they can trust. From manufacturers, retailers and fleet operators, our auto industry podcast helps you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe and follow for more automotive trends, expert insights and in-depth discussions on the future of mobility.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at CAECorporate@coxautoinc.com.

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Hosted by Cox Automotive Europe, this episode features two leading voices: Philip Nothard, Insight Director here at Cox Automotive Europe, and Richard Aucock, Director of Motoring Research. Using the latest market data, we unpack the automotive trends shaping the market right now.

From supply and demand pressures and new car registrations, to the shifts in the used car market and the fast-moving EV sector, our guests share practical insights into end-of-year challenges, and what to expect in the next 3-6 months.

Perfect for manufacturers, retailers and fleet operators looking for automotive news and analysis they can trust, this auto industry podcast helps you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe and follow for more automotive trends, expert insights and in-depth discussions on the future of mobility.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at CAECorporate@coxautoinc.com.

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Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.

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